Archived Topic
Topic ID 3365
31/01/2008 by SallyB
Entertaining visitors in Hertford
I'm starting a new thread, as I believe my question is not strictly related to 'tourism' as such.
I'm just wondering where Hertford residents take friends when they come to visit for, say, a weekend or a week.
What about local geology, woodlands, fun places, history, art, politics, architecture; anything of interest?
Here are a few I thought of earlier:
Hertford Castle (history)
Panshanger Cafe (to watch pretty aeroplanes)
SphereMania (fun!)
Municipal golf up at Westmill Farm or any local driving range
Clay pigeon shooting
I must admit that, having lived in the area for almost seven years, I've done an embarrarssingly tiny amount of local exploration. After all, one may play golf or shoot pigeons almost anywhere!
Sally B
0 replies
Archived Replies
Reply ID 48595
31/01/2008 by 2929paul
Pop into the Museum, not only to see the museum but also to pick up ideas. They have plenty of books about local walks and places to visit.
Reply ID 48599
31/01/2008 by 2929paul
Walk through Hertford and there's a truly eclectic mix of architecture from 1,000 years of history. Get one of the publications from Hertford Civic Society. I think their link is on this site somewhere.
You can spend a cheery, beery afternoon at Hoe Lane, watching Hertford play Rugby, or a cold wet one in West Street cheering on the Blues (Hertford FC). In the summer you can visit sunny Balls Park and laze around watching Hertford Cricket Club, or wander further afield to Hertingfordbury and watch them playing cricket in the shadow of the church. There's tennis on Hartham, as well as bowls. (I think - but if not, it's definitely available to anyone in Stevenage!)If it's first class sport you want, Saracens play their rugby at Watford FC's ground. They are in the Guiness Premiership and doing well in Europe. A better standard than their hosts, and a better day out for the family.
For golfers, there's the Westmill Lakes you mention, or the municipal course at Panshanger. There's also a great driving range at Whitehills, off the old A10, where there's a pay and play course as well. And for the money laden, there's Hanbury Manor, followed by afternoon tea and a stroll around the grounds.
What about a walk along the river, across the meads and down to Ware. Loads of wildlife and plenty of pubs at both ends of the trail.
And if none of this appeals, the train service to London is very good (subject to engineering works on a Sunday). You could even do a day trip to Paris - pop to St. Pancras to catch an early Eurostar and return in the evening after lunch in the Posh de Nosh. Or just sit at a table in Cafe Rouge in Parliament Square and explain the history of the place name whilst pretending you're in France.
Reply ID 48606
31/01/2008 by SallyB
Great ideas, folks! Yes, I've taken people walking around Ware Park and Hartham - even caught a couple of glimpses of the/a heron a couple of times which is always a nice surprise. Also, Hartham is a nice place to take people to fly kites.
Reply ID 48635
01/02/2008 by warren_peace
I always take people for a walk along the meads by the river , pop into the barge for a sly one, up around the castle and then into the most popular place for food.Evening (without the offspring) the nearest pub, then the nearest one to that one, then the nearest one to that one.....
Reply ID 48716
01/02/2008 by PresdalesExpat
I'm always looking for things for my boys to do when we visit so this is a great thread for me. What is SphereMania, where is Panshanger Cafe and do you have to be an adult to shoot clay pigeons? Totally agree about Hertford Museum: they've always got something good going on and they have loads of useful local info. I love the idea (from another thread) of podcasts on the town's history/ghosts etc. The local fetes in the summer are also a great day out, especially with kids. Have yet to find any barge trips out of Hertford. Can barges be rented, or does that have disaster written all over it? Presumably you could navigate through Ware and beyond or am I completely off target? I've never been sure of what connects to what and where.
6 replies